MOUT (Military Operations Urban Terrain) Training In Iraq.
At first glance it seems a bit like overkill—knocking down doors,
diving through windows, searching and clearing buildings utilizing heavily
armed fire teams. But when you think about it, it only makes sense that
when you are not actually performing security forces duties; you train
in the same way in the same environment and conditions.
The security forces personnel assigned to the Quick Reaction Force spend
a great deal of time training and preparing for various types of operations.

Master Sgt. Joseph Iacovone Jr., a member of the 177th Fighter Wing Security
Forces Squadron and QRF team leader at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq,
came up with the idea for a MOUT site at the base.

“The lesson plans and courses were developed based on the
training we received at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., and our civilian
law enforcement training and experience,” says Iacovone. “I
had plenty of assistance implementing this training from my
squad members with special tactics experience.”

The course includes classroom lectures and practical applications on topics
such as urban assault, active shooter, barricaded subjects and building
clearing.
“After running our entire QRF team through the training, we
invited other security force members to participate,” adds Iacovone.
“The unit leadership responded to our offer and we are currently
training additional members of our squadron.”

That training is critical; some of the QRF’s responsibilities include
performing unexploded ordnance sweeps after rocket and mortar attacks,
security sweeps, casualty evacuations and serving as a blocking force
in the event of an attack to the base or other threat situations. They
also provide protection for civil engineer and other base personnel during
base projects ensuring the safe completion of these missions, as well
as providing protection for visiting U.S. and Iraqi dignitaries.

The individuals who attended the training, comprised of active duty, Guard
and Reserves, provided positive feedback about the course and everyone
who attended the course come away with some new ideas and tactics to be
used in the future.